Weifa ASA (OSE: WEIFA) had record fourth quarter and full-year revenues in 2016 on higher sales of the main categories: pain relief, cough & cold products and nutraceuticals, as well as the addition of the Asan portfolio. Total revenues for the quarter was NOK 114.5 million, representing an increase of 17 percent compared with the same period a year earlier. Organic growth was 5.4%, after adjusting for Asan.

“Our quarterly revenues exceeded NOK 100 million for the first time in the fourth quarter, even before including Asan. We experienced growing demand for our main product categories and positive impact from the innovative new products we have recently launched,” says CEO Kathrine Gamborg Andreassen.

EBITDA was NOK 27.7 million (NOK 22.1 million) for the fourth quarter after NOK 1.1 million (NOK 2.4 million) in cost of employee options and other costs. The EBITDA margin adjusted for these costs was 25.2% (25.1%). Weifa’s portfolio of long-established brands maintained a high market share in all key segments during the quarter.

Revenues for the full year 2016 was NOK 399.7 million (NOK 332.5 million), an increase of 20% from 2015. EBITDA was NOK 80.4 million (NOK 65.6 million) for the fourth quarter after NOK 8.9 million (NOK 7.3 million) in cost of employee options and other costs. The EBITDA margin adjusted for these costs was 22.3% (21.9%).

Weifa expects to launch Asan in Finland in 2017 after signing a distribution agreement with Midsona Finland Oy in the fourth quarter. A further strengthening of Nordic position is planned in 2017 after securing the rights to commercialise a new and unique product line based on a patented fixed-combination pain management solution containing ibuprofen and paracetamol.

“We remain focused on our growth strategy. The new distribution and licensing agreements we have signed in recent weeks will drive Weifa’s expansion in the Nordic region. At the same we time remain committed to strengthening the established brands and developing new innovative products”, says Gamborg Andreassen.

In line with Weifa's dividend policy of returning excess cash to shareholders, the board of directors proposes a dividend of NOK 1.50 per share to be paid in June 2017.

Weifa will give a presentation today at 08:30 CET at Felix Konferansesenter, Bryggetorget 3, Oslo, Norway. CEO Kathrine Gamborg Andreassen and CFO Simen Nyberg-Hansen will represent the company. The presentation will also be webcast live and can be accessed directly from: